Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Mar 1994

Vol. 440 No. 4

Written Answers. - Area Aid Applications.

Edward Nealon

Question:

309 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry in view of the fact that it seems likely that it will not be possible for the Land Registry to process the number of applications for maps from farmers in counties Sligo and Leitrim and elsewhere in the country in time for the end of March deadline, if he will now extend this deadline and make a statement for the information of farmers who are anxious about the situation in view of the fact that they have made their applications many months in advance.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

I have already announced the extension of the deadline for receipt of 1994 area aid applications from livestock farmers declaring forage areas only from the original date of 31 March 1994 to the later date of Friday, 29 April 1994. I believe that this should facilitate many livestock farmers who are experiencing difficulties in obtaining or completing their maps.

I would stress that this extension does not apply to farmers submitting combined EU area aid applications covering both tillage and livestock schemes. As they had to submit maps in 1993 and therefore should have no difficulties with maps in 1994, they must submit their area aid applications on or before Thursday, 31 March 1994.